IMCG Corporate Strategy and Action Plan (2002 - 2006)

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Adopted by the General Assembly in in Besancon, France 2002.

Introduction

The beginnings
In 1984, a widely felt need for international exchange on mire conservation issues led to the foundation of the International Mire Conservation Group (IMCG). Its nucleus then was "Western" Europe with its many nations, its long history of peatland exploitation, and continuing threats to its large diversity of peatlands. Since then, a group of research scientists, consultants, government agency specialists, representatives from NGO's, and peatland site managers has been meeting on a regular basis to discuss national and international aspects of mire conservation in a relatively unstructured but open forum.

Development
The global developments of the 1990s changed the mire arena considerably. Geopolitical changes enabled people, knowledge, and ideas to cross the former Iron Curtain in both directions. The internationalisation of economic structures (EU, GATT) necessitated more information exchange and cooperation. The Internet facilitated improved worldwide networks, information exchange, and contact between individuals and organisations. New integral concepts (sustainability, wise use…) and international conventions (Ramsar, CBD, UNFCCC…) defined a long-term and global perspective for problems that were hitherto considered to be only regional. These developments also affected the IMCG.

Consolidation
The IMCG network expanded to include more people from many more countries. Meetings were increasingly held outside of "Western" Europe. The network was challenged to engage in international projects and to intervene in global developments. Gradually the IMCG evolved from a forum for international information exchange to a "global player" that is capable of contributing to mire conservation in a coordinated and structured fashion. Consequently, at its Congress in Quebec (Canada, August 2000) the IMCG decided to formalize its structure and primary objectives.

"The Society's objectives («the objects») are to provide and maintain a network of specialists who:
a. internationally promote, encourage and, where appropriate, co-ordinate the conservation of mires and related ecosystems; and
b. internationally enhance the exchange of information and experience relating to mires and factors affecting them."
IMCG constitution article 2

The IMCG's First Corporate Strategy
At the 2002 IMCG General Assembly in Besançon (France), it was agreed that the IMCG would benefit from and become more effective as an organisation if it developed a Corporate Strategy. Such a document would - provide a basis for organisational continuity and legitimacy within IMCG and - provide decision making and objective transparency within its membership and to the "outside world". This strategy communicates the IMCG's mission, vision, values, and aims. It will provide the future framework for organisational delivery and development.

Our Mission

The IMCG mission is to
maintain the diversity of mires and peatlands all over the world by
- conserving the full range of their natural functions and biodiversity; and by
- ensuring their wise and sustainable use.

Our Vision

Our vision is
that the global conservation network, including IMCG, will be effective in guaranteeing the maintenance of the diversity and functions of mires and peatlands.

Our Values

The IMCG is an open, transparent, and democratic organization that seeks to operate by the following principles:

Openness
IMCG membership is open to all individuals who endorse and - in the widest sense - contribute to the objectives of the IMCG.
"Ordinary members are those individuals who wish to take an active part in the activities of the IMCG. They are expected to become, or already be, positively involved in one way or another with activities that coincide with the goals of the IMCG." IMCG constitution article 4.2
IMCG is open for discussion and cooperation with all mire and peatland stakeholders, including those with other principles, interests, and aims. We disseminate all relevant and available information, experience, and know-how free and without restrictions.

Transparency
The IMCG organisation is transparent with clear responsibilities and rights. Membership of all executive organs is open to all members. Their meetings may be attended by and their decisions are available to all members.
The information we disseminate is accurate to the best of our possibilities.

Democracy
The IMCG wants to be a platform for all conceptions of mire and peatland conservation and wise use. Whereas decisions are taken by majority rule, minority views are given adequate considerations through open discussion.
The IMCG only works within the law.

Organizational structure
The IMCG is a network of voluntary members. The General Assembly of members is the highest decision making organ. It meets at least every two years at a biannual Congress.
The General Assembly charges the Main Board, elected from the members, with the governance of the IMCG in times between the Congresses.
The Main Board delegates tasks and powers to the Executive Committee, whose members are elected from and by the Main Board. The Executive Committee is responsible for the day-to-day management of the organisation. It consists of a chairman, a general secretary, a treasurer, and two additional members.

IMCG Action Plan

Our objectives

Our priority medium term objectives (4-6 years) are
A To identify the global diversity of mire features, functions, and values;
B To reduce the most urgent and significant threats to mires;
C To explore mechanisms that further our objectives and sustain our achievements.

Our Means

We try to reach our objectives by

Facilitating worldwide exchange of information and expertise;
Assisting coordination of efforts and resources;
Promoting positive action;
Increasing understanding and awareness.

Download the IMCG Corporate Strategy and Action Plan (2002 - 2006)
All objectives have the same importance. The numbering does not imply priority of one objective over the other.

Objective A: To identify the global diversity of mire features, functions, and values

Targets	Actions	Output	Champion(s)	Remarks	Year of delivery
A.1. Assessment of the global distribution and condition of mires and peatlands	Preparation of an overview and gap analysis for all countries of the world on the basis of literature research and expert consultation	Report "The global status of mires and peatlands"	Hans Joosten	Draft used for tables in Wise Use Book (2002). Further background, update and publication in 2003. Support by GPI confirmed.	2002 à 2003
A.2. Development of a globally valid system of mire types and an overview of their distribution	The preparation and publication of a typology and corresponding maps through continuation of the annual IMCG workshops	Report/book "The mire types of the World and their global distribution" also including an overview of global peatland classification	Michael Steiner Jan Sliva	This action relates to action C.1.4.	2004
A.3. Development of a globally unified consistent mire terminology	Development of a Universal Mire Lexicon (UML) in workshops and internet discussions	Draft Mire Lexicon	Ron Hofstetter	An older draft is available under http://fig.cox.miami.edu/~rhofstet/bil538/hygrogaia-1.html	2002
		Chapter on UML in the European Mires Book (EMB)	Ron Hofstetter	Draft has been submitted September 2002. Publication in EMB in 2003; see also A.4.	2002 à 2003
A.4. Stimulation of regional mire and peatland inventories on the basis of an integral and coordinated approach	A.4.1. The instalment and facilitation of regional working groups, workshops and publications	The working groups are installed, the coordinators appointed, and the working plans agreed	H. Joosten (Eur) Jan Sliva (Africa) T. Minaeva (Russ)	See A.4.3., A.4.4., A.4.5., and A.4.6. Working group Southern Africa was installed in 2002; further expansion to tropical Africa is underway.	2002 – 2006
	A.4.2. Assistance with project development and fundraising for the activities listed below	All activities listed below are included in the GPI proposal portfolio	Tanja Minaeva	See A.4.3., A.4.4., A.4.5., and A.4.6.	2002
	A.4.3. The production of an overview of mire and peatland diversity and conservation status in Europe	Book "Mires and peatlands of Europe"	Hans Joosten	Draft text submitted to GPI, July 2002. Finalization and publication 2003. Financial support by GPI secured.	2002
	A.4.4. The production of an overview of mire and peatland diversity and conservation status in Southern Africa	Book "Mires and peatlands of Southern Africa"	Jan Sliva	Continuation and expansion of the IMPESA project. GPI financial support for 2002 and 2003 secured.	2004
	A.4.5. The production of an overview of mire and peatland diversity and conservation status of Russia	Book "Mires and peatlands of Russia"	Tanja Minaeva		2005
	A.4.6. Starting the identification of the mire and peatland diversity and conservation status of South America	Book "Mires and peatlands of South America"	???	Further projects in that region are required. Currently GPI attention only on paramos.	2006
A.5. Identification of the main functions and values of mires and peatlands on a global scale	A.5.1. The collection of qualitative and quantitative information on the basis of literature research and expert consultation	Publication of a major chapter on functions and values in the IPS/IMCG Wise Use Background document	Hans Joosten	IPS/IMCG Wise Use Background document published November 2002 with financial support of GPI and others	2002
	A.5.2. The ongoing synthesis of global databases on mire flora, vegetation, and mire plant ecology	Databases made available via the IMCG web site	Philippe Julve	How is progress and how to involve more members?	2002
	A.5.3. To start a mire fauna data base	Databases made available via the IMCG web site	???	What should be the content of that database?	2006
A.6. Formulation of Ramsar Guidelines for peatland sites	Active participation in the work of the STRP Peatland Group in the preparation of such Guidelines	Revised Guidelines are endorsed by the Ramsar Standing Committee and COP8	Richard Lindsay, Andreas Grünig	Guidelines were endorsed by Ramsar COP8 in Valencia, November 2002	2002

Objective B: To reduce the most significant threats to mires

Targets	Actions	Output	Champion(s)	Remarks	Year of delivery
B.1. Identification of the main threats and of mechanisms to avoid them	B.1.1. The inventory of regional threats and their effects	The publication on the internet of a dynamic database on regional threats	???		2003
		The inclusion of these analyses in the regional overviews (see above)	Hans Joosten	Europe, see A.4.3.	2003
			Jan Sliva	Southern Africa, see A.4.4.	2004
			Tanja Minaeva	Russia, see A.4.5.	2005
			???	South America, see A.4.6.	2006
	B.1.2. The development of an infrastructure for membership expertise exchange	The database on IMCG expertise is developed and maintained	Jan Sliva Michael Trepel	Consent with publication of address, email, and expertise is included in the new registration form. A questionnaire to existing members is being prepared.	2002
		The mechanism for rapid expertise exchange by internet is provided			2002
B.2. Promotion of the conservation of mires in hot spots	B.2.1. The development and operation of a hot line for mire threats incl. a mechanism for feedback	The IMCG Web-site contains a "hot-line" for mires under threat	Tanja Minaeva, Michael Trepel		2003
B.2. Promotion of the conservation of mires in hot spots	B.2.2. The acquisition of funds for the provision of free expertise for hot spots	The IMCG has a special fund to cover expertise provision for hot spots	Tanja Minaeva, Stuart Brooks		2003

Objective C: To explore mechanisms that further our aims and sustain our achievements

Targets	Actions	Output	Champion(s)	Remarks	Year of delivery
C.1. Permanent IMCG involvement in international mire conservation policy	C.1.1. Cooperation with partner organizations (IPS, WI, SWS, IUCN, …), both bilateral and in umbrella organizations (EHF,…)	Information exchange by web links, information bulletins, and attendance of meetings	Michael Trepel	Web links	2002-2006
			Margrit von Euw	Sending of IMCG Newsletters
			Exec. Committee	Meetings
		Comprehensive mire conservation actions are undertaken in partnership	Exec. Committee	Ie.g. Wise Use project (with IPS), Global peatland Inititative (with IPS, WI, IUCN), South-Africa meeting (with IUCN)	2002-2006
	C.1.2. Continued active participation in the Peatland Working Group of the Ramsar Scientific and Technical Research Panel	Active contribution to the GGAP, the Wise Use Guidelines and the Ramsar Site criteria.	Stuart Brooks Andreas Grünig	Includes activities in the newly to establish GGAP Coordinating Committee CoCo	2002-2006
		Endorsement of the IMCG web-site by Ramsar as official reference site for inventory data	Hans Joosten	Relates to the success und usefulness of action A.1.	2004
	C.1.3. Pro-active participation in the Steering Group of the Global Peatland Initiative	The IMCG position is clearly reflected in all GPI policy.	Tanja Minaeva	GPI currently supports (directly or indirectly) several actions from the IMCG Action Plan, incl. A.1., A.3., A.4.3., A.4.4., A.5., C.1.1., C.2.4., C.3.2., and C.5.	2002-2006
		Submission of ample projects by IMCG and IMCG members	Tanja Minaeva	Due to time constraints, input of IMCG has not been optimally coordinated. Submission of projects by IMCG members must increase	2002-2006
	C.1.4. Stimulation of mire/peatland related aspects in the Convention on Biodiversity	Recognition of mire types and patterns as paradigms of ecosystem diversity	???	Relates to action A.2. Hans Joosten has contacted the CBD. CBD plans to adopt Ramsar typology à C.1.2.	2006
	C.1.5. Stimulation of mire/peatland related aspects in the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto process	Report on the role of peatlands in climate change	???		2004
		Recognition of the importance of peatlands and mires as carbon stores and sinks	???	Ramsar CoP 8 (Valecia 2002) has explicitly included peatlands in their climate resolution	2006
C.2. An effective global network of mire conservationists, linking to regional networks, by expanding IMCG presence to all regions and countries	C.2.1. The production and distribution of a regular Newsletter with global coverage	Informative IMCG Newsletter	John Couwenberg, Hans Joosten	In 2002 Newsletters were produced in March, June, September, and December with a total of 130 pages.	4x per year
	C.2.2. The maintenance of a Website with global coverage	The IMCG web-site is up-to-date and easily accessible and contains adequate information to support mire conservation on global, regional and national level	Michael Trepel	In 2002 the website was effectively maintained and expanded.	2002-2006
	C.2.3. The wide distribution of IMCG information material and membership registration forms, including to appropriate societies and journals.	An annual growth of the IMCG membership by 10%, representing 5 additional countries	Jan Sliva	Per 31.12.2002 IMCG had 265 ordinary members and 15 supporters In 2002 the IMCG membership grew with xx members (= xx%) representing xx additional countries	2002-2006
	C.2.4. The expansion of IMCG membership in Southern Africa	IMCG members / contacts in most countries in Southern Africa	Jan Sliva, Piet-Louis Grundling	At the end of 2002 IMCG had members in Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. Missing are still Swaziland and Lesotho.	2003
	C.2.5. The preparation of the 2004 IMCG Congress in South Africa	The 2004 IMCG Congress in South Africa	Piet-Louis Grundling	The IMCG Congress in South Africa is planned from 12.-26. September 2004; details are found under www.imcg.net	2004
	C.2.6. The expansion of IMCG membership in South America	IMCG members / contacts in most South American countries	???	At the end of 2002 IMCG had members only in Argentina and Colombia.	2004
	C.2.7. The preparation of an IMCG Symposium in South America 2005/2006	An IMCG Symposium in South America 2005/2006	???		2005/ 2006
	C.2.8. The support of national and local initiatives in mire conservation by providing expertise and assistance in fundraising and awareness campaigns	The IMCG members have easy access to any needed expertise to carry out mire conservation activities in their countries	???	See also B.2.1.: dynamic database of threats.	2003
C.3. Provision of free exchange of information	C.3.1. The organization of meetings, symposia, and workshops.	Biannual symposium	Piet-Louis Grundling	South-Africa , see also C.2.5.	2004
			Tapio Lindholm	Finland, 2006 Field symposium, Conference, and General Assembly	2006
			???	2008 Field symposium, Conference, and General Assembly	2008
		Regular workshops devoted to regions or issues.	???		2002-2006
	C.3.2. The preparation of publications	Publications, incl. IMCG Newsletter	Hans Joosten John Couwenberg	In 2002 were published: the Weber Augstumal book and the Wise Use book. See also C.2.1.	2002-2006
C.4. Development and implementation of a policy on economic incentives for mire conservation	C.4.1. Development of a policy on certification and ecolabelling	Policy document adopted by IMCG MB / General Ass.	Hans Joosten	First brainstorms have taken place in IMCG EC and with IPS (Nov. 2002); draft is planned for discus-sion in IMCG EC in June 2003	2004
	C.4.2. The stimulation of the development and the use of peat alternatives	Information on the IMCG Web-site on peat alternatives	???	Couple with IPCC and UK Peat Campaign	2003
	C.4.3. The promotion of adequate labeling, certification, and licensing of peatland related products and activities	Adequate "ecolabels" for peat (products)	???	Relates to the renewal of EU ecolabels in 2006; interventions depend on outcome of C.4.1.	2006
		Certification concepts for peat industries	???	Interventions depend on outcome of C.4.1.	2006
		The inclusion of Wise Use concepts in national licensing		.	2006
	C.4.4. The promotion of "debts for nature swaps" for mire conservation	"Debts for nature swaps" for mire conservation	???		2006
C.5. Awareness campaign	Identification of the motives for mire use. Identification of the stakeholders on the international level. Formulation and dissemination of a Wise Use approach.	Publication and wide dissemination of the Wise Use background document and declarations	Stuart Brooks	The Wise Use book and the WU Statement flyers (Eng. French, Spanish, Russian) were published in 2002 and are being widely disseminated. All versions are not yet available on the IMCG website (C.2.2.)	2002
		Presentation of Wise Use approach on Ramsar COP8	Exec. Committee	The Wise Use Book and flyers were presented and distributed at CoP 8	2002
		Presentation of Wise Use approach on the IPS Congress	???	Wise Use is the motto of the 2004 IPS Congress. Concerted input from IMCG is required.	2004